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Poorly coordinated children: a survey of 95 cases
Author(s) -
JOHNSTON OLIVE,
SHORT HELEN,
CRAWFORD JOAN
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
child: care, health and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.832
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1365-2214
pISSN - 0305-1862
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2214.1987.tb00553.x
Subject(s) - medicine
Summary Screening of 717 5‐year‐olds and 757 7‐year‐olds, found 55 of the former and 77 of the latter possibly to be poorly coordinated. Further diagnostic testing with the McCarthy Motor Scales confirmed the problem in a total of 95 children, a prevalence of 6.4%. Neurological examination showed 43% of the 5‐year‐olds and 21% of the 7‐year‐olds to have choreiform movements. Of the total 95, proprioception was abnormal in 40%, but abnormal muscle tone present in only 4%. An increased prevalence of hearing loss and obesity and a history of developmental delays was found. Low birth weights, prematurity, post‐maturity and perinatal problems were significantly associated with poor coordination. Socioeconomic status was not a significant factor. The difficulties of testing and measuring poor coordination and the need for more precise measures are discussed. Follow‐up of at risk children at age 5 with tests of motor coordination is recommended.